February 26, 2014

Neymar and Barcelona pals show off toned bodies - @neymarjr

Neymar, Dani Alves (left) and Adriano (right) all pose with their shirts up

Barcelona may be stuttering in the Spanish title race but Neymar can't resist showing off his body after a training session in the gym.

He posted a picture on his Instagram alongside fellow Brazilians Dani Alves and Adriano.

The Brazilian 22-year-old has taken criticism that he needs to build up his strength to reach the peak of European football.

Ronaldo, for instance, stands out from nearly all other players because of his athletic ability and determination on the training ground and gym.

Neymar is also having to deal with a the transfer saga with has been threatening to disrupt the Spanish champion's performances on the pitch.

His transfer from Santos last June has led authorities to charge Barcelona with tax fraud as the price of the deal has ballooned from £48.6m to £71.2m, after payments to the player and his family.

'I hope it doesn't affect the team,' midfielder Andres Iniesta was quoted as saying Tuesday from a sponsor's event. 'It's not good for the team or for him, all of this talk of things besides football.'

Barcelona followed up its Champions League win at Manchester City with a disappointing 3-1 loss at Real Sociedad and there are questions whether the off-field circus accompanying perhaps world football's most expensive transfer is affecting the squad.

'We can just hope that all of the noise surrounding Neymar's case doesn't last long,' Iniesta said. 'His spirits are up. The most positive thing we can do is talk about our football.'

But even that hasn't been all too encouraging despite the 2-0 win at City one week ago.

Coach Gerardo Martino has guided the team into the Copa del Rey final and it only trails Real Madrid by three points in the La Liga standings. Yet, erratic play continues to follow the Argentine coach, who is finding it tough convincing the Catalan club in the follow-up to the Pep Guardiola-Tito Vilanova era.

'We're all responsible for our results,' Iniesta said. '(Sociedad) was a tough loss, but we'll fight to the death for our coach. There's no doubt there.'

Barcelona welcomes bottom-table Almeria on Sunday to its Camp Nou Stadium, which has also seen attendance dip this season.